Closed A day at the Windward Boardwalk (Etori)

[Myria Snowsong]

Timestamp: Morning of 61st day of Fall, 513 AV

Myria heard the crunching of snow as she walked to her destination. Her precious lute strapped to her back swayed with her with each step. She had arrived at her favorite place in all of Avanthal, which is the Windward Boardwalk. She preferred to be outside, rather than in. As she entered the garden, her golden shimmering eyes shifted to each sculpture and to each tree. The place felt very soothing to her and lots of different ideas for poems and rhymes came to her so easily within this place. “Seems like no one is here today” she said to herself as she made her way to the Snowsong area of the park. Usually there’s a poet here or two lovers looking for a place to spend some time together. Myria couldn’t blame them; it is a very beautiful park.

Before sitting down on one of the wonderfully carved benches, Myria carefully removed the lute strapped to her back. When some of her relatives noticed that she had always carried the lute around with her, the crafters that they were, had a strap placed on it so she could carry it with ease. She was very grateful, for her lute was the most precious item she owned. Playing it made her feel connected to her late mother and father.

Once she sat down, her fingers glided over the strings. The vibrations of the strings hummed in the air, traveling further away. The melody she created danced around her ears as she began to hum deep in her throat. Her feelings poured out from within her playing and could easily bring a smile to a person’s face. Her eyes started changing colors as she changes tempos. Myria became one with her lute and her thoughts floated around in her mind for a new song. While playing along, she began to sing lyrics from a song she wrote awhile back.

Can you see?
Can you feel?
There’s life all around

Can you feel,
Your heart beating?

There’s life coming from you,
All you see, is what’s in front of you.

Do you know?
Can you hear,

The life of this world?
There’s more than just riches and fame.

Just look towards the shimmering sky,
And feel the life flowing all around you.

So now can you see?
Can you really feel?
There’s more than just “you”.

[Etori Whitevine]

Etori laid her head against the table and sighed deeply. She had grown bored of her medical studies today and of the same old view in her small room. She needed some fresh air, a new setting, she needed to let her mind wonder for a bit or she would surely grow insane from the boredom. But where could she go? “I know! I will go and train at the Tundra Training Stadium. It has been too long since I was last there…” She thought. Lifting her head she stood up and out of her chair, walking over to the chest at the end of her bunk she grabbed her cloak from its contents and drew it over her shoulders. Lastly she grabbed her short sword from the chest and strapped its sheath onto her belt before leaving the room. Leaving the room was easy, but avoiding the eye contact of everyone in the Hold was another matter. Etori quickly walked down the hall of the Arvinta keeping her eyes focused on the floor as she did so. Sure, the Whitevine’s had accepted her into their Hold but. She couldn’t help but feel they disliked her presence. Like she was some kind of burden to them. This was the only place she could call home. Ever since she was young she had wanted to call this place home and now that she did… she realised how much nicer it was to be in her true home, with her family. She can never go back to the way things used to be. Even if she wanted to. If it weren’t for the Whitevine’s giving her a home, Etori wouldn’t know where else to go. Surely one of the other Holds would have taken her in, though she would have been of no use to them. Quickly Etori ran down the staircase to the first floor once she had reached it and made her way out the front door without being noticed. The snow was as beautiful as ever on this fine fall day. Etori really admired the snow. She couldn’t picture her life without it. It had become a part of her. With a skip of excitement in her step Etori headed towards the training stadium. She was happy to think she’d be putting her brother’s old short sword to use once again. Etori walked along the icy sidewalk and was in the process of passing by The Windward Boardwalk when a faint melody caught her ear. She stopped in her tracks and listened closely. Without giving it much thought Etori followed the alluring sound and entered The Windward Boardwalk. The park was almost like a snowy maze of archways if you didn’t know your way around the place. Etori was sure the melody was coming from within this place. Every so often she would listen carefully and follow the sound of music, until it grew louder and louder. She had lost track of time, lost track of where she was, all that mattered in that moment was finding the source of the melody. Suddenly Etori found herself walking down a set of archways that lead into the Snowsong part of the park. Of course. Why didn’t it occur to her earlier? She could have saved a lot of time if she had headed to that area in the first place. In the distance Etori could see a girl sitting on a wooden bench with a lute in her hands. As she got closer the music became clearer and she could her that the girl was singing softly to the melody she played. Etori now watched her from a distance, too afraid to be in the girl’s field of vision. She watched at as the girl would gracefully pluck at the strings on the lute and play the notes to her hearts content. There was something about her, something about the way she played…Something about the words she sang. The girl was clearly from the Snowsong Hold and appeared to be in the same age group as Etori. Etori couldn’t recall ever seeing her face. But surely they had crossed paths at some point in time. Having been brought up in the same Hold. Although, Etori had a lot of memories from her life in the Snowsong Hold that she chose to forget. She had rejected music the second she was given a musical instrument to learn to play at a young age. Specifically it had been a harp carved and crafted by her father. A gift for her seventh birthday. Her father had told her that her mother was a beautiful harp player. Deep down Etori knew her father was just trying to give her a piece of her mother. But she couldn’t help but feel like he was trying to change her into a spitting image of her. This thought made Etori refuse to play instruments all together. Which got her into a lot of trouble. Vantha who rejected their Holds customs were and always have been looked down upon. Etori wasn’t interested in the harp. She would have much preferred to have been forced to play something that was cooler and less girly like the mandolin her brother played. Yet she knew she could never play it like he did. Etori just didn’t have the patience or muse needed to learn to play an instrument. Because of her upbringing musicians really boiled her blood. She considers them to be lazy freeloaders. The music playing from the lute cuts off Etori’s thoughts and brings her back to the present. The sudden memories of her past caused anger to a rise within her. A shade of vibrant red replaces her usual bright green eye colour. Her fear of being seen vanished and she found herself strolling right up to the Snowsong girl with a mouth full of words that threatened to burst out of her mouth. But once she was standing in front of the girl her anger vanished and she was captivated by the girl’s eyes. As the tempo of the melody changed so did the colour of her eyes, at this point…they were golden. Suddenly in the eyes of Etori the girl morphed into the image of her older brother, Saon. Etroi’s heart skipped a beat and she let out a small gasp as her delirious mind watched her brother smile warmly at her as he played along with the lute, plucking its strings every so softly and singing in tune to the melody. Etori’s eyes turned violet in colour and began to swell up with tears. It had been so long since she saw him, since she saw his smile, so long since she had heard his voice. But…it wasn’t him… As soon as Etori accepted it was just an illusion the image of Saon morphed back into the image of the girl who was originally before her. Etori quickly looked away from the girl before she sat down on the ground in front of her. She held her knee’s against her chest and rested her head a top of her knees. Etori fixated her eyes on snow that covered the ground beneath her. Afraid to look into the eyes of the girl in case another illusion were to occur. All she wanted to do in that moment was just relax and listen to the soothing music as she was reminded by melodies her brother used to play. She listened, she actually listened to the music, and it spoke to her. As if she was hearing the girl sing for the first time. She stayed silent and let the sound of the music carry her away. Under her breath she softly sang along to the words the girl sang.

[Myria Snowsong]

Myria was so absorbed in her playing. Whenever she plays, her mind just soars with rhythms and melodies. She gets really into it and her emotions drift along with her playing. Since this happens, she tends to lose sense of the world around her. As she drew her song to an end, she noticed another voice. At that point she finally saw someone in front of her. It was a young vantha female around her age. A soft smile spread across her face; she enjoys having others listen to her music. It was a great honor to her whenever someone did. However, the girl was looking towards the ground. Myria decided instead of saying something directly to her, she’d play another piece for her. She felt like the girl will say something when she’s ready to. So she looked down towards her lute, bringing forth ideas from her mind. Myria then decided on the next tune she will play. The song she decided on was short song about fire that she wrote when she was little. The strings began to hum once more as her fingers plucked a steady but rhythmic beat. Her voice started vibrating within her throat and started spilling lyrics from her lips.

Dancing ever so gracefully the flame flickered and glow
Bringing with it warmth and light

However, it’s not to be trifled with
For the flame can turn on you

It lights the path from a candle stick
Or it can bring you warmth on a cold night

However, it’s not to be abused
The flame can be your friend

Or your enemy
Only the answer lies
Within your heart


Bringing the song to an end, Myria lifted her head towards the Vantha in front of her. Her eyes shimmered, waiting for whatever reaction the girl may have.

[Etori Whitevine]

The song the Snowsong was playing had come to an end and an empty silence filled the air for a moment. Etori didn’t want it to end just yet. The music had soothed her in a way nothing else besides isolation had in a long time. She wanted the melody to keep filling her mind with images, memories and daydreams. She wanted to hear the girl’s calm beautiful voice sing once again and take her away from the present moment. Etori spend too much time either studying or working in her silent room. Silence was all Etori ever heard. Sometimes it was too much for her to bare and she would find herself talking out loud to no one in particular. It just made her feel…less lonely. The silence was so different to the noisy Arvinta she had grown up in within the Snowsong Hold. Music was always played, either by practicing children, intermediate teens or talented adults and master elders. At the time it drove her crazy. She had always been sneaking out of the place just to get away from the noise. Now it seemed like a lost treasure. A faded memory that seemed like it never happened in the first place. The silence passed as soon as the Snowsong began to strum on the strings of her lute yet again. A totally different sound from the last song filled the atmosphere. And again Etori was swept away by the music and it made her feel light chested, as if all the weight that had been pushing her down was lifted. She quite enjoyed the rhythmic beat. The tune didn’t last as long as the first. It ended suddenly when Etori began to recall a memory of her brother. The sudden silence interrupted her mind and she was glad it had. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to remember, it was just that…emotions were too much to bare at times… Etori could feel the eyes of the girl upon her and couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious. Lifting her head she made sure not to look into the girl’s direction as she swiped her bangs out of her own eyes with her right hand. She thought she had better say something. As if the girl was expecting her to speak. "Play with fire and you're going to get burnt. Isn't that what they say?" she said without much thought as she often did. Realizing she may have offended the girl she quickly stood up from the ground and looked into the golden eyes of the Snowsong once again. "I mean. I like the way you...sang about the fire. I like how...you said, you can befriend the fire and it will treat you right. As long as you treat it in the same light..." Etori mumbled not too sure of herself or what she was saying. Etori shuffled her feet in the snow. She became embarrassed about the way she had acted. She felt she must have annoyed or disturbed the Snowsong in some way. She felt as though she were a nuisance in the girls eyes, just like she was in the eyes of everyone else. “I’m sorry to have bothered you…It’s just that. It has been a long while since I have been able to enjoy music like that…” She let out a sad sigh before she added “I won’t bother you again.” As if it were a routine in her usual everyday dialogue. Feeling like an idiot standing around and staring at the young woman Etori turned her back to her. She wanted to walk away but something deep inside her didn’t want that. She didn’t want to walk away at the chance again. At the chance to meet someone new. She had avoided people for too long. Maybe she should take this chance. Just once, and see what the outcome was. Etori couldn’t bring herself to walk away or to turn her attention back on the girl. So she just stood frozen in her position, lost in her own thoughts and fighting with herself inside.

[Myria Snowsong]

Myria watched and listened to her words. After hearing the young vantha speak and then got up and turned her back to her, Myria understood that she just felt shy. Perhaps, even a bit awkward. Myria let out a soft understanding laugh and said “No, no. You’re fine.” The young vantha turned around back around to face her. However, she stared downwards at the snow. Myria loved the fact the girl had listened to her song, and she could tell she had enjoyed it.
“It’s true that you do get burnt whenever you play with fire. Fire, is something to be respected.” Myria wanted to let her know that her words did not offend her. She rather liked her insight on it actually. This girl seemed pretty smart “You’re welcomed to sit here with me if you want. I always enjoy company and it’s an honor to me whenever someone listens to my playing.” At this point Myria was playfully strumming some cords.

She was hoping the other vantha would stay. Even though she’s sweet and kindhearted, Myria really doesn’t have any friends. It would be nice for her to get to know someone her own age. She often sits alone in her Arvinta, because her parents died when she was so young. The Snowsong hold is a very lively hold. It was her home, yet she felt separated. She was grateful to her aunts and uncles for being around to help her, though deep down she wished she had her parents. It was a magical moment when she was handed the lute when she was seven. She struggled to learn to play for a couple of years. She remembered all the blisters and calluses that were received from it. The wind blew and she realized her mind was lost in thoughts.

Waiting to see what she would decide, Myria also remembered she hadn’t even introduced herself. She invited someone to sit with her without doing so. It came off to her as a rude thing to do. Also, she wanted to know this person’s name. Her eyes shimmered their bright gold and her smile widen as she spoke once more, “I believe I should introduce myself, it would be rude if I don’t. My name’s Myria. What’s yours?” She waited eagerly for the girl to reply, hoping not to scare her away.

[Etori Whitevine]

Etori couldn't believe her ears. She thought for sure she had misheard the girl but turned back around in her direction despite this. Still, she couldn't look her in the eyes. Staring at the snow she listened to the girl's kind words and again thought she must have misheard. Maybe this was another illusion. Surely it was or maybe this was all a dream... It had been so long since someone greeted her with such warm gestures. Etori couldn't help but let out a small gasp and look up at the young woman in surprise when she had offered Etori to join her on the bench. Etori became confused. Why wasn't she telling her to go away. Why didn't she call her names or say she wanted nothing to do with her? Did she actually want Etori to join her or was this all some kind of prank? The girl began to strum playfully on her lute and Etori's thoughts went sour as her eyes narrowed at the sight of the cheerful girl. "Is this,... some kind of joke to you?" She heard herself say out loud. Etori cringed at the sound of her own voice spewing such thoughtless words. But she couldn't help herself. She just didn't believe that this girl wanted to be nice to her out of the kindness of her own heart. Surely there was some hidden motive. Etori knew in that moment she had ruined her chances of befriending this girl. Somehow she always managed to screw it up. Why couldn't she just take a chance and trust someone? She wanted to...but it was hard for her. Having been alone and independent for so long, she didn't necessarily need anyone else. Except she was lonely... And for all she knew this girl could be too. Etori realised it wasn't fair of her to judge the girl so suddenly. She knew nothing of her past or whom she was. Everyone deserved a chance to introduce themselves. Etori sighed slightly annoyed at herself, before she shrugged off her negative thoughts and sat beside the girl who had just introduced herself as Myria. Etori found herself thinking that the name was quite beautiful and suited the vantha who sat beside her with a warm smile. But couldn't bring herself to say something so embarrassing out loud. Etori sat in silence and listened to the sound of the girls lute for a moment before sudden realisation hit her, the girl was waiting for her to introduce herself. "Etori...I mean, that is my name..." said Etori awkwardly while looking in the opposite direction. Etori felt bad about what she had said moments ago which was odd for her. She felt the atmosphere was now tense or maybe it was just her. She told herself she would at least try with this girl. She'd try to be on her best behavior.Wanting to change the subject and keep the conversation going Etori opened her mouth. "So...what do you think...what do you think of snow? I mean, you say fire is something to be respected. What about snow?" Etori listened to herself ramble on and secretly hoped Myria didn't mind if she chose to stay. but there was always that fear of being socially rejected once again floating around in her mind. Maybe this time things could be different.

[Ablation]

Etori :

Experience:

Socialization +1

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